The Journey of a Mishandled Bag
Every year, airlines handle over 4 billion bags. Here's what happens when yours doesn't arrive—and what you can do about it.
The Luggage Lifecycle
From check-in to carousel—and what happens when things go wrong
Check-in & Tagging
Your bag receives a barcode tag linking it to your itinerary. ~20% of mishandled bags have tagging errors at this stage.
Sorting & Loading
Bags travel through conveyor systems to your aircraft. ~30% of issues happen here—bags miss tight connections.
Transfer (if connecting)
The highest risk point. ~40% of delays occur during transfers, especially with short layovers or terminal changes.
Arrival & Unloading
Bags are unloaded and sent to baggage claim. ~10% of issues are carousel mishaps—wrong belt or timing.
Bag Not There?
The airline starts tracing using WorldTracer, a global system. Most bags are located within 12-24 hours and delivered to you.
The Clock Is Ticking
Here's the typical timeline for a delayed bag
0-24 hours
Most delayed bags arrive on the next flight and are delivered to your address
24-48 hours
Bags that needed extra tracing—often stuck at a connecting airport
3-5 days
May have routing issues or damaged tags—keep following up
Your bag is officially classified as lost. You can file a claim for compensation under the Montreal Convention (up to ~$1,780 / €1,300 / £1,131).
How to Protect Your Luggage
Simple steps that significantly reduce your chances of lost luggage
Choose a Distinctive Bag
Pick a brightly colored or uniquely patterned suitcase. Black bags make up 70% of all luggage—making yours stand out helps at the carousel and during tracing.
Add Visual Identifiers
Tie a colorful ribbon, strap, or distinctive luggage tag. It helps you spot your bag quickly and gives airline staff another way to identify it.
Photo Before Check-in
Take a photo of your bag at the airport, with the tag visible. If it goes missing, this helps staff identify it among thousands.
Use a Tracking Device
Pop an Apple AirTag, Tile, or Samsung SmartTag inside your bag. You'll know exactly where it is—even if the airline doesn't.
Robust ID Inside & Out
Use a durable luggage tag with your name, phone, and email. Also place contact info inside your bag in case external tags are ripped off.
Allow Connection Time
Book flights with at least 90-minute layovers (2+ hours international). Short connections are the #1 cause of delayed bags.
Remove Old Tags
Those old baggage tags from previous trips? Remove them! Scanners may read old barcodes and send your bag to the wrong place.
Carry Essentials On
Pack a change of clothes, medications, chargers, and valuables in your carry-on. If your bag is delayed, you'll have what you need.
Why Do Bags Go Missing?
Understanding the causes helps you avoid them
Statistics based on SITA Baggage IT Insights reports and airline industry data. Figures are global averages and may vary by airline and route.